Simply put, ponying means to lead a horse alongside the horse you’re riding. On the trail, the task comes in handy when you’re training a new horse and helping him get used to obstacles and familiarizing him with the trail. When a horse follows another horse, his natural herd instincts kick in and he’s apt to follow his leader through terrain that might otherwise seem … [Read more...]

I want my pony to carry her head in a low position. . . .
Dear Julie,
My pony keeps her head up when I’m attempting to ride her in a collected frame. When I first got her she was so nervous about the bit in her mouth and what the rider might do. We outfitted her in a loose-ring snaffle, which has helped her put her head down somewhat. However, she still keeps her head up … [Read more...]

Question: Dear Julie:
I bet you have never had this question. Last week we bought a really great black & white 51 inch 4 year old pony. He was gelded 5 weeks ago so we are waiting (but doing lots of ground work and round pen work) with him before he is ridden. He is broke to drive and ride. My question is this: what would the top weight be for a person to ride him? We … [Read more...]

Question Category: Issues from the Saddle
Question: Dear Julie,
I was at your clinics last year at the Equine Affair Massachusetts. I tell you, you were the greatest trainer there! My horse, Rufus (an 8 year old large pony trained by my 14-year-old self with my trainer, after being abused for six years) was not trained until he was 6 years old. He isn't what you'd … [Read more...]

Question Category: Issues from the Saddle
Question: I purchased a welsh pony 12.1 hh 18 y.o with loads of experience as parade, driving, riding western, English and the list goes on. He is not spooky at all and seemed the perfect pony for me. I am a beginner rider for about 1 yr now. I am a short woman just under 5ft tall and weigh 168 lbs. I was concerned that my weight … [Read more...]

Question Category: Issues from the Saddle
Question: Dear Julie,
Firstly, let me tell you that I appreciate very much your website and information! Thank you!
My question is: I have a 3 yr old gelding Welsh Cob, just under saddle and I am trying to find the way how to ask him to loosen in the movement. It is ok for him to loose when we are standing (asking to turn … [Read more...]

Question: We purchased a large pony nearly 6 months ago. When we purchased him, he was being ridden in a tom thumb bit and shook his head a lot to avoid it. We changed him to a D snaffle bit and all he wanted to do is pull on the reins. Quite often resulting in my daughter being pulled out of the saddle. And he stumbled a lot since he was focused on the bit and not on where he … [Read more...]

Question Category: Horse Behavior
Question: I have a 10-month-old Welsh stallion pony that is very well mannered with a sweet disposition. I also have three other geldings; one is new to the "herd" but getting along well with the other two. When can I introduce the little one to the herd to hang out with the big guys. I don't want to keep him isolated. He is very small … [Read more...]